Chairman Joe Suhrada was elected to head the Ballston GOP in April 2023. He is a native of Rotterdam, NY and was the first member of his family to be a Republican, registering at age 18 during Ronald Reagan’s presidency. He is a graduate of Mohonasen schools, attended Siena College and studied accounting, thereafter attended Union College, founded the Union College Young Republicans, and graduated with a degree in economics and history.

A public relations and fundraising professional in his early twenties, Joe became an entrepreneur, owning Uncle Sam’s All American Chocolate Factory for 33 years. He built a nationwide brand with e-commerce, social media and a full production facility, eventually employing thirty people.

Joe has also been involved in land development, new home construction, remodeling and real estate investing.

Joe became deeply involved in GOP politics after college and became a campaign manager for various local campaigns. He served eight years on the Schenectady County Legislature. He served on the Schenectady County IDA, and Soil and Water Board, as treasurer of the Mohawk Valley Pontiac Club, as president of the Rotterdam Business Association, as associate member of The Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge, with the Elks and on the State Republican Committee.

Having recently retired, Joe is currently working on short documentaries of local interest. He continues to enjoy dog rescuing, fishing, auto restoration, writing music, and supporting veteran’s causes.